If you’re staring at a map of Southern California, the long beach distance from los angeles looks like a tiny little skip. It’s basically right there, right? Technically, yes. On paper, we are talking about roughly 22 to 25 miles depending on where you start in the sprawling concrete maze of DTLA and where you want to end up in the LBC. But here is the thing: in Los Angeles, miles are a lie.
Distance in this part of the world isn't measured in space; it’s measured in time, frustration, and how many podcasts you can finish before you see the Queen Mary. Honestly, if you try to drive that 22-mile stretch at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, you might as well be driving to another state.
The Real Breakdown of the 22-Mile Gap
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the actual numbers because you probably need to be somewhere and "about half an hour" is a dangerous assumption.
- The Physical Miles: If you take the I-710 S (the Long Beach Freeway), it’s about 24 miles from the heart of Downtown LA to the Long Beach waterfront.
- The "No-Traffic" Dream: At 2:00 AM, you can make this trip in 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel like a god.
- The Reality Check: During a standard weekday morning or afternoon, that same drive easily balloons to 60 or 90 minutes.
- The LAX Factor: If you’re coming from Los Angeles International Airport instead of Downtown, the distance is shorter (about 20 miles), but the 405 freeway is a different beast entirely.
Why the 710 is Basically a Parking Lot
You've probably heard people complain about the 710. There's a reason for the vitriol. This freeway is the main artery for the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. That means you aren't just sharing the road with influencers and commuters; you're sharing it with thousands of massive semi-trucks hauling shipping containers.
It’s heavy. It’s loud. And if one truck has a fender bender near the Rosecrans Avenue exit, the entire southward flow of the city grinds to a halt. Kinda makes you want to rethink the car entirely, doesn't it?
Skipping the Freeway: The Metro A Line
If you want to avoid the 710 drama, the Metro A Line (formerly the Blue Line) is the legendary "old guard" of LA transit. It was the first light rail line in the modern system, opening back in 1990.
Taking the train from 7th Street/Metro Center in DTLA down to Downtown Long Beach covers about 22 miles of track. It takes roughly 55 to 60 minutes.
Sure, an hour sounds like a long time for 20-something miles. But here’s the kicker: it’s a guaranteed hour. While your friends are losing their minds in stop-and-go traffic on the 110 or 710, you’re sitting there for $1.75, probably reading a book or staring out the window at the industrial landscape of Compton and Watts. It's the longest light rail line in the world now, thanks to the Regional Connector, stretching all the way from Azusa down to the Pacific.
Biking the LA River: The 21-Mile Workout
Now, if you’re feeling particularly brave (or just really into cycling), there is a way to do the long beach distance from los angeles without ever touching a freeway.
The Los Angeles River Bikeway is a contiguous path that runs about 18 to 20 miles from the Vernon area down to the Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach.
Is it scenic? Not really. It’s a lot of concrete, power lines, and the back-ends of warehouses. But it is flat, and it is completely separated from cars. If you’re an experienced cyclist, you can hammer out that 20 miles in about 75 to 90 minutes. It's a surreal way to see the industrial guts of the county. Just keep in mind that once you hit the coast, the wind usually picks up, so that last stretch into Long Beach might feel like you’re pedaling through molasses.
Navigating the "Inter-City" Neighborhoods
A lot of people think it’s just "LA" and then "Long Beach," but there is a whole world in that 22-mile gap. You’ll pass through or near:
- Vernon & Commerce: Industrial hubs that smell like... well, industry.
- Lynwood & South Gate: Classic residential hubs of Southeast LA.
- Carson: Home of the StubHub Center (or whatever it's called this week) and a lot of refineries.
- Signal Hill: The literal "hill" in the middle of the flatlands, famous for its oil history and great views of the basin.
Knowing these landmarks helps when you’re listening to the traffic report on 1070 AM. When the reporter says there’s a "sig-alert at the 91 interchange," you’ll know you’re about halfway there.
Expert Commuter Secrets for the Long Beach Trip
If you absolutely have to drive, there are a few "pro moves" to shave off time.
First, never trust the 710 blindly. Check Google Maps or Waze before you even put your shoes on. Sometimes taking the I-110 (Harbor Freeway) and then cutting across via the 405 or 91 is actually faster, even though it adds miles.
👉 See also: Getting Around the I 985 Park and Ride: What Local Commuters Actually Need to Know
Second, if you’re heading to the Long Beach Airport (LGB) instead of the waterfront, the distance is roughly the same, but the vibe is 100% better. LGB is the "easy" airport. No massive crowds, no LAX horseshoe nightmare. If you can fly into Long Beach instead of LAX, do it. You’ll save yourself an hour of transit time just on the airport exit alone.
Making the Most of the LBC
Once you finally bridge that long beach distance from los angeles, what’s the reward? Long Beach isn't just a "suburb" of LA; it’s the seventh-largest city in California. It has its own personality—kinda gritty, very coastal, and a lot more laid back than Hollywood or Santa Monica.
You've got the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is world-class. You've got the East Village Arts District for coffee and local shops. And honestly, the food scene in Long Beach (especially the Cambodian food—it’s the "Cambodian Capital of the World") is worth the drive alone.
Essential Steps for Your Trip
Before you head out, do these three things to make sure the 25-mile trek doesn't ruin your day:
- Download your media: There are several "dead zones" or areas with spotty service along the lower 710 and 110 corridors. Don't rely on streaming.
- Check the Port Schedule: If there’s a massive influx of cargo or a strike, truck traffic on the 710 gets significantly worse.
- Validate your TAP card: If you're taking the Metro A Line, remember that the "fare is the square." Use the app to load your fare so you don't get stuck behind a line of tourists at the 7th Street vending machines.
Planning for an hour and a quarter is the safest bet for anyone traveling between these two hubs. It’s close enough to be a daily commute for thousands, but far enough that it feels like a distinct journey every single time.
Final Logistics Checklist
- By Car: 30 mins (night) to 90 mins (peak). Route: I-710 S or I-110 S.
- By Train: 60 mins. Route: Metro A Line. Cost: $1.75.
- By Rideshare: $45 - $80 depending on surge pricing.
- By Bike: 90 mins. Route: LA River Trail.
Load your maps, pick a long playlist, and don't let the "22 miles" fool you—it's an adventure.